South Beach Miami – Miami, Florida

byDave Jackson

Yikes, Ocean Drive in South Beach has never looked more beautiful. Come 5 PM, the restaurants are already starting to fill and party goers in this Miami mecca are eying parking spots near lounges that line Collins Avenue, Ocean Court, and Ocean Drive. The prime location is Ocean Drive, as you can see the Atlantic on the other side of the street. But the night is young, and you can walk a block to visit other clubs here in South Beach. Around 10 PM the mood changes as serious party goers arrive to dance the night away. Parking is a premium and valets are making more than the average banker. Welcome to South Beach in Prime Time!

South Beach, Miami, offers all the partying you could possibly want – and then some. Coming in at number two on the World’s Best Party Beaches – South Beach is for beautiful people (or those who aspire).

It’s a place unto itself, yet part of Miami; only a few city blocks long, but every street in South Beach has bars, restaurants, hotels, shops, and the best clubs – each one better than the next. Good times await in the top clubs with the rich and famous and those looking for relaxing and posh partying.

But before you take the time to dress up (or down) to hit the clubs at sunset, be advised things don’t get going here before 11 PM.

And here’s the dilemma: if you don’t arrive in South Beach early enough, forget getting a parking space. (Valet’s charge $20.) City lots fill up quickly – so plan on arriving early, stroll around (you’ll love people watching and people watching you), eat something, or find a hotel bar and sip a drink.

Tip number two: Arrive before 11 PM to avoid a cover charge. Many clubs don’t charge before 11 or midnight – just ask by calling ahead. All clubs are listed in the phone book. Calling early will avoid finding out that the club you planned hasn’t turned into a food court. And make sure your concierge puts you on the guest list. That could save some bucks by the end of the evening.

The beautiful people come here to play – well, okay – to be seen, by scouts from Miami’s thriving modeling community. So, make sure you take time during the day to stroll up Ocean Drive, the main strip in South Beach, where hotels, restaurants, and the “chic”est mansions lie. You’ll find plenty to do.

And, since this is the “beach”, don’t forget to visit the awesome strip of powdery sand along the Atlantic. There’s great food here during the day, and then after sundown, return for fun at the beachside beds on stilts at Nikki Beach.

Okay, but where to go to party? So much to choose from. The Crobar club boasts one of the largest dance floors and is themed differently each day of the week. Another is Automatic Slims – it’s a bar, but partying goes on. The wait-staff is all female, some who are fire-breathers (just ask).

Rain has a Home Cookin’ party every Tuesday night featuring great hip-hop and free cheeseburgers grilled right outside. Want a more upscale affair? Try Mynt for their tech music upstairs and the hip-hop/R&B downstairs. Tantra is another popular club with jazz and blues.

The Mansion is another club to see and be seen. The former Level (also formerly Club Z, Glam Slam, Deco’s, etc.) is reincarnated as Mansion, with all the same glam factor left. Britney, J. Lo and even former President Bill Clinton have partied here. Go well dressed.

There are more clubs and party houses, but these are the most popular. And, South Beach, Miami may be just be your best choice – in the USA, yet exotic as anywhere else.